Potatoes au gratin, a dish synonymous with creamy, cheesy indulgence, gets a hearty, home-style makeover with the Pioneer Woman’s recipe. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is renowned for her approachable and flavorful comfort food, and her au gratin potatoes are no exception. This recipe transforms humble potatoes into a rich and satisfying dish, perfect as a side or even a comforting main course.
Pioneer Woman Potatoes au Gratin, loaded with cheese, cream, and garlic, perfect for a weeknight meal or holiday side dish.
Inspired by Ree Drummond’s “Food from my Frontier” cookbook, this potatoes au gratin recipe is a delightful twist on classic scalloped potatoes. While scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced and baked in a milk-based sauce, au gratin potatoes elevate the experience with the addition of cheese, creating a richer, more decadent flavor. This Pioneer Woman version emphasizes simplicity and robust flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special holiday gatherings.
Many home cooks, like myself, often revisit cherished cookbooks seeking inspiration and reliable recipes. In my own kitchen, while scalloped potatoes are a family favorite, the allure of trying something new, something cheesier, led me to explore the Pioneer Woman’s au gratin recipe. It was an opportunity to not only diversify our potato repertoire but also to bring a touch of Ree’s frontier cooking into our home.
Pioneer Woman Au Gratin Potato Recipe, featuring a close-up of the creamy, cheesy potato dish.
Preparing this dish for a “linner”—that delightful meal bridging lunch and dinner—proved just how adaptable and satisfying these potatoes are. Following the recipe closely, with a slight increase in garlic and cheese, and substituting chives for green onions, I discovered the beauty of customizable comfort food. Even with slightly smaller potatoes than the recipe suggested, the outcome was wonderfully creamy and cheesy, exactly as desired.
While personal taste is subjective and the quest for the “perfect” au gratin might be ongoing, this Pioneer Woman recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and consistently delicious results. It’s a recipe that encourages repeat performances in the kitchen, promising a comforting and flavorful potato dish every time.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Au Gratin Potatoes, baked to golden perfection and ready to serve.
Pioneer Woman’s Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier cookbook and is simplified for home cooks to easily recreate this classic cheesy potato dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 6-7 small to medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), scrubbed clean
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3-5 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow cheddar works well)
- Fresh chives, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a shallow 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Uniformly sized potatoes ensure even cooking. Place the diced potatoes in the buttered baking dish.
- Create Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisking the flour into the cold liquids helps prevent lumps in the sauce. Ensure the flour is fully incorporated for a smooth sauce.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the diced potatoes in the baking dish. The liquid should almost cover the potatoes.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Covering with foil creates steam, which helps the potatoes cook through and become tender.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Uncovering allows the top to slightly brown and the sauce to thicken.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chives over the cheesy potatoes for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Recipe Notes:
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape. Russet potatoes will also work but may be slightly starchier.
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. For a milder garlic flavor, use 3 cloves; for a more pronounced garlic taste, use 5 or more.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the potatoes au gratin ahead of time up to step 4. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Enjoy this comforting and cheesy Pioneer Woman potatoes au gratin recipe as a delightful side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course! It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any table.
